A travel guide to Thailand

Taxi

Taxis are an easy but the most expensive way to travel within a city. A lot of them run taximeters to guarantee a fair price. Try to avoid taxis without those and demand on turning them on. It is also possible to use Apps like Uber or Grab in some cities.

Tuk-Tuks

The best and most common way to travel within a city is by Tuk-Tuk. You can find them all over the streets, and you can simply stop one to get to your destination. The prices for a Tuk-Tuk ride can vary significantly depending on your negotiation skills. Tuk-Tuks that you flag down on the street are usually cheaper than those waiting on the side of the road.

Even if you are in a hurry, do not show or mention it to the driver, as they may use that to their advantage during negotiation. If you are new to the city and unfamiliar with the prices, ask your hotel or hostel receptionist for a reasonable fare to your destination and keep that approximate fare in mind.

Always remain calm and friendly, even if the driver is unwilling to lower the price, because there are plenty of other Tuk-Tuks available. If you are not satisfied with the fare offered, just ask another driver.

Be aware of common Tuk-Tuk scams, including:
– Drivers asking you to pay extra for petrol during rush hours; do not agree to this.
– Drivers claiming that your desired destination is closed and trying to take you to other places; do not fall for this.
– Drivers offering you a cheap ride but stopping at shops and insisting you buy something; avoid wasting your money on fake items and ask to continue your ride.

Songthaew

Songthaews are modified pickup trucks commonly used by locals as a shared form of public transport in Thailand. They are one of the cheapest ways to travel in the country, and using them is quite simple. Just flag one down on the road, tell the driver your destination, and they will let you know where to get off. The trucks operate on specific routes, so you may need to stop at a location that is close to your intended destination. It’s best to avoid hiring a songthaew like you would a tuk-tuk, as it will be considerably more expensive. Instead, hop on the ones that are already in operation with locals to enjoy an affordable ride.

Bus (inside of a city)

In large cities like Bangkok, you can find regular public buses that operate throughout the day. Tickets are affordable, and passengers on the bus are usually very helpful. Upon entering the bus, you can take a seat, and an assistant will come by to collect the fare for your ride. You can inform the assistant of your destination, and they will remind you when it’s time to get off. In Thailand, you don’t have to wait at the bus stop; you can also signal the buses on the street and hop on as they pass by.

Scooter

As you may know, I generally recommend getting around various destinations by scooter. This is the most common local mode of transportation, allowing you to experience the country in a more authentic way and reach places that public transport might not take you to. Riding a scooter gives you a sense of freedom and independence.

However, driving on your own can be intimidating, especially in a foreign country with heavier traffic and driving on the left side of the road. Fortunately, locals are accustomed to sharing the road with tourists. Just stay calm, drive at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and allow the locals to navigate around you.

Scooters are affordable to rent, with options available for anything from a single day to an entire month. Before renting, be sure to inspect the scooter thoroughly. We recommend recording a video from every angle of the vehicle, capturing any damaged areas, and even filming the people renting the bike to safeguard yourself against potential scams. This way, you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

Trains

Bangkok has an efficient metro system that allows for easy and affordable travel around the city. There are six different lines, one of which connects directly to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Regular trains also provide a good alternative means of transportation, especially within Bangkok and in the northeastern region of the country. However, outside of these areas, train connections are limited, making it difficult to cover certain distances.

For those traveling west from Bangkok to Erawan National Park, trains are very inexpensive and a worthwhile option. On board, you’ll primarily encounter local passengers, and many vendors walk through the compartments selling food and drinks, making for a great experience, especially for short journeys.

Sleeping Busses

For traveling long distances, the most convenient way to save time and money is to take overnight buses, which connect nearly every corner of Thailand. Be sure to keep your valuables in your daypack and dress warmly, as the air conditioning is typically turned on and it can get very cold during the ride.

Greeting other People

As most of people want to shake hands or wave to other people across the street, in Thailand the wai is the customary greeting. Make sure your palms touch together and your fingertips are below your chin while your elbows are tucked into your sides.

Inside Religious Buildings

When visiting a temple, it is important to dress appropriately. Avoid wearing short clothing that exposes your shoulders and knees. Instead, opt for longer attire that covers your legs and shoulders, or use fabric to drape over these areas. Inside the Chedi (the main room of the temple), it is customary to remove your shoes. However, some temples may not require this, so be sure to look for signs or observe the behavior of the locals. You are allowed to take pictures as long as it is permitted. Remember to refrain from using a flashlight, and most importantly, never touch any Buddha statue, regardless of its size.

In Public

One last simple rule is to not touch or kiss in public. Thai people do not show private feelings in public and keep them to their homes, which you should do too, so locals will not feel uncomfortable. This rule more belongs to the smaller cities and villages, but also can trigger locals in big cities like Bangkok. Anyway, never kiss inside of religious sights.

General Security

In general, Thailand is considered a safe country with a low crime rate. The most common crime is theft, often occurring when belongings are left unattended in hostels, at scooter rentals, or on night buses. Due to the Buddhist culture, which values honesty, theft is more likely to be committed by fellow tourists rather than locals. It’s important to trust your instincts and keep an eye on your belongings. Always avoid leaving your bags unattended, and keep your most valuable items close to you.

Scamming is also a significant issue in Thailand when it comes to tour offers, shopping and transportation (tickets). To protect yourself from scams, compare different offers and research average prices beforehand.